One Frame a Day

August 9, 2023

Hi. 

It's me. 

Mama.

I don't know how many years it's been since I've added a post to this blog. It began as a way to scrapbook our days, and also to practice photography. 

Who knew that one day I would have more photography business than I can actually handle, and that you would be a gorgeous, smart eighteen year old?

I mean, I did know. But not really. 

The last year has been a delicious whirlwind, hasn't it? 

The start of Senior Year. Soccer. Homecoming. Friend pain. Applications. Essays. Scholarships. Deadlines. A new car. Spain. Prom Court. Decisions. 

And a lifetime of preparation that has brought us here. 

By my count, there are twelve days until you leave for college and we begin this next adventure. You, of making a new home for the next nine months whilst learning as much as you can. And us, for learning to live in this house without you. 

Watching you grow has been the pleasure of my life. I am so, so, so proud of you. 

Maybe after I make that college bed for you, and we drive away, and you look around, maybe you'll think you're not ready. 

Juicy, you are perfectly ready. I see it. Everyone sees it. 

SEE IT. 

I love you. 

Happy New Year 2017!

While Daddy is off on an adventure with the Browns, we got some fresh air and exercise and sunshine. :-) 

 

 

Six Years Ago Today.........

Six years ago today (thank you, Facebook), was this day:

 ...your first day of kindergarten.

You had no idea that this cheery woman with her arms around you would become one of your best loved people. Would become a solid part of the village that's shaping you. 

Today, on this day, you had your first invitation to a dance from a (really nice) boy. To a middle school dance. You are a sixth grader in middle school. 

Last week, as you took deep breaths to calm your nerves before the first day, a few tears slipped down your cheek, and you said, "I just want to take my teddy bear to school like we did in kindergarten. I want to have the first day of kindergarten again."

So do I, baby girl, so do I. 

But that isn't how it works, and I'm so proud of how far we've come, to get you to this point. You are an intelligent, funny, witty, sporty, fashion-y girl, and you are exactly where and who you are supposed to be right now. 

(tears slipping down Mama's cheeks........)

And even though I loved the excitement on your face this morning when you got asked that question, my favorite part of today was when you came home, played with your cat, read some Harry Potter, and made snack before going to soccer. You were too busy being you to check your phone or think about texts. 

I loved that, and I love you. 

So This Happened...........

Kitty is still learning how to be, well, a cat. And climbing is something that must be both thrilling and irresistible. Big Sister is waaaayyyyy up there to rescue her.....

Sledding

Today was a fun day of sledding with Grandma and friends......

Tonight

Today was one of those days, and tonight was one of those nights, that I know I'll never forget.......

Homework

Giggling.

Grimacing.

A little gossiping.

......grueling. It's just grueling. 

Homework. After a long day for everyone. Fitting in extracurriculars makes it even longer. I get it. I'm a teacher for pete's sake. But still, it's grueling.

Today was a good homework day.

First Snow

Big Girls

We did a kid swap today, and these big girls sat at their own table for lunch. They had a great day of giggles, organizing, and friendship.

Baller

As in, BASKETball-er.

When Little Sister asked to go to Lady Gales basketball camp last summer, we were very surprised. We've never really mentioned or suggested basketball. Neither girl seemed to have a natural affinity for it and Little Sister is not very.......blessed in the height department yet. But she went. And she loved it. And when something good happened at home, she started pounding on the floor, like they did at Lady Gales basketball camp. And when Big Sister tried to play with her Lady Gales basketball, Little Sister snatched it away and said, "YOU are not a Lady Gale. I am".

So...okay.

Fast forward to this morning, which was her first Upward basketball game. There are about ten kids on her team, and only four of them are girls. So we weren't expecting a lot of playing time.

But. She. Was. Awesome.

She can dribble, she can pass (sort of), and she can shoot (a loose interpretation of it, anyway). She was nervous last night, but full of confidence today. Being that it has been less than 48 hours since she was diagnosed with "shrek", the game kind of wiped her out. But we were incredibly proud of her for getting out there and going for it. The kind of proud that made me a little bit speechless, and made my heart beat a little bit faster. I think it's very brave of her to actually WANT to touch the ball. When I played basketball, that one year.......I ran very fast. AWAY from the ball. I hope that "going for it" continues to be a theme for her life, and that she can keep doing things she loves. Plus, her pink high tops are cute, and the photos are adorable....